Pak test-fires nuclear capable ballistic missile

Missile has 900-km range, launc follows testing of 1,500-km range weapon

Pakistan today successfully test- fired a nuclear capable ballistic missile with a range of 900 kilometers, days after testing a similar missile capable of hitting targets as far as 1,500 kilometers, bringing many Indian cities under its range.

The launch of Shaheen 1A or Hatf IV ballistic missile was aimed at re-validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system.

The military said that the impact point of the launch was in the Arabian Sea in the south.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lt Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Commander Army Strategic Forces Command and senior officers from the strategic forces, scientists and engineers of strategic organiszations witnessed the launch.

Last week Pakistan successfully test fired Shaheen-II, also called Hatf VI, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to targets as far as 1,500 kilometers.

Admiral Zakaullah said Shaheen-1A with its highly accurate and indigenously developed guidance system is amongst the most accurate Missile System.

The admiral reiterated Pakistan's desire for peaceful co-existence in the region.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appreciated the successful test launch.